Drivers warned over severe gusts

The RAC is advising motorists to take extra care on the roads as warnings of severe winds are issued nationwide.

June 1 is the start of the meteorological summer, but the Met Office has warned that this week will begin with an unseasonably windy spell, with heavy rain also thrown into the mix.

The RAC says drivers should even consider postponing journeys to avoid the strongest gales.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: "The wind is going to be the central feature of the weather over the next few days - and it's something every motorist is going to notice when they take to the road, especially drivers of high-sided vehicles.

"Our advice is to take extra care, on exposed routes in particular, allow more time to get to your destination, or even delay your journey if possible to avoid driving in the strongest winds.

"Any driver going past a high-sider on the motorway should be very conscious not only of that vehicle being buffeted off course, but also of what happens to them when they emerge the other side and the wind hits."

Motorists should also ensure they carry out routine maintenance checks before venturing out.

Yellow wind warnings have been issued for all regions of the UK except Orkney and Shetland, and are valid until 6pm on Tuesday.

Low pressure sweeping the UK will bring gusts of 40-50mph "fairly widely", with 60-70mph gales expected in some areas, including the south coast, according to a Met Office spokesman.

Trees that are in leaf at this time of year are more susceptible to the winds, increasing the chances of disruption, he says.

As well as the wind, many places could see heavy rain, with some northern and western areas set for 20-40mm.

By the end of the week, however, the weather should become more settled, with temperatures expected to reach 22C (72F) on Thursday, and the mid-20s on Friday and Saturday. Some places in the South East could see temperatures of more than 26C (79F).